Metallic cobalt nanoparticles for heating applications

We investigated the properties of metallic cobalt particles which were prepared by metal organic synthesis. By X-ray diffraction we identified the FCC Co phase and obtained a particle size of 6 nm. VSM measurements revealed a specific magnetization of 77.5 Am-2/kg which is 46% of the bulk value. From the analysis of the magnetization curve the parameters of the particle size distribution were estimated. In order to assess the suitability of the material for heating applications AC susceptometry as well as calorimetrical measurements of the specific loss power at 400 kHz and 13-25 kA/m were performed. We obtained values from 500 to 1300 W/g. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.